UK inflation: British inflation eased for the first time since September last month. The Bank of England’s target measure of CPI inflation fell to 3 per cent, down from 3.5 per cent in January, although this is still above the 2 per cent target. RPI inflation remained at 3.7 per cent.

UK mortgage lending: The number of mortgages approved for house purchase by high street banks crept up to 35,276 during February from 35.154 in January, according to figures from the British Bankers’ Association. This was well down from December’s 28-month high of 45,690.

UK house prices: House prices in England and Wales rose by 0.3 per cent during March to an average